Spring 2024 Byse Workshop – Abolitionist Approaches to Criminal Justice: Perspectives and Debates

The last session of the Byse Workshop, Abolitionist Approaches to Criminal Justice: Perspectives and Debates, will take place on Thursday, April 11, at 3:45-5:15 PM, in Lewis Law Center, Room 202. (Note the different location.) Coffee and snacks will be provided. Please refer to this link for the workshop’s syllabus and reading materials.

In this session, we will explore several different approaches to what I will refer to as “pragmatic abolitionism.” We will ask whether abolitionists contemplating reform proposals are morally required to consider the present pain and suffering that such reforms would help alleviate, or whether they should always prioritize their ultimate abolitionist goals. We will also explore how abolitionist approaches to criminal justice can inform our views of the law and society more generally, regardless of our level of agreement or disagreement with them.

This non-credit workshop is open to all members of the Harvard community, without any required registration. No prior knowledge is required.